| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| adamant |
unlikely to change in response to any request or argument; firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| consternation |
surprise and alarm, leading to panic, deep disappointment, or total confusion. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| disinter |
to dig up or remove from a place of burial; exhume. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes capitalized) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| pedantic |
making or characterized by an excessive display of learnedness, or overly insistent on scholarly details and formalities. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |